Last week, patrons of Barnes and Nobles in Coral Gables were in for a surprise when a gray SUV plowed in the window. We know it was probably a scary moment for everyone involved.
A police spokesperson said that it appeared the driver of the SUV mistook the gas pedal for the brake. The SUV slammed a pillar in front of the store before crashing through the window. One person inside the store was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and the driver was not injured.
We are grateful that nobody was seriously injured, but we know it could have been worse.
What if someone had been on the sidewalk? What if more people had been near the window at the time?
The thing is, you never know when something like this is going to happen. There is no way to predict and account for the carelessness of other people. When you need a Miami pedestrian accident attorney, you can count on the Dante Law Firm, P.A. to help.
The Statistics
For the latest reporting year in Florida, there were over 9,000 pedestrian accidents. Out of those, there were 7,796 injuries and 667 fatalities.
These numbers are simply too high.
Why are there so many injuries and fatalities?
The answer is simple – pedestrians do not have the same amount of protection that people inside of a vehicle have. There is no metal frame, no seatbelt, no airbag. When a person is struck by a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds, the injuries can be devastating. It is common to see the following types of injuries as a result of a pedestrian accident:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal organ damage
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Major soft tissue damage
All of these injuries require major medical interventions. Often, a full recovery is only possible after a period of rehabilitation. In the worst-case scenarios, a person can be permanently disabled or killed.
Negligent drivers are often to blame. Those who choose to get behind the wheel when they are drunk are a danger to everyone around them. Just as dangerous, and something we are seeing more and more, are distracted drivers. All too often, people think it is okay to send a text message or watch a quick video clip while they are heading down the road.
What You Can Do
No matter how safe you try to be when you set out on foot, you cannot control others around you. Negligent drivers will always be a threat to pedestrians. There is no reason you should have to suffer financially if someone else has caused you harm. At the Dante Law Firm, P.A., we will work with you in the aftermath of an accident to get the compensation you deserve. This includes:
- Accident-related medical expenses
- Lost income if you miss work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Legal fees
When you need a pedestrian accident attorney in Miami, you can contact us by clicking here or calling (954) 365-0000 for a free consultation.
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